I had 8 teeth pulled today for an upper denture and paid out 1500+ in cash,but of coarse my biggest concern is how long must I wait to play my tin sandwich? How will it affect my play? 6 of those teeth were broken off at the gumline so I've only had 2 upper teeth the last few years. If there is a dentist in the house or people who have been through this, any comments or advice would be appreciated.
I have upper and lower partials and there is no effect really. My funny story though, it when I had 2 teeth pulled on a Friday and played harp the next night! I had to keep the packing in place and could not sing but it was a successful gig.
I have a full upper and partial lower. I have no problem at all. I can play with them or without them. ---------- Wisdom does not always come with old age. Sometimes old age arrives alone.
Nice to hear Sarge. I downloaded some DeFord Bailey music that was recorded at his home in later years and DeFord mentioned that certain numbers he did were harder to do since he lost some teeth. I've been playing with just2 top teeth and hoping I might gain a little when I get my upper. I play a lot of old timey stuff similar to what I've heard you play. @jbone...No I don't sing and haven't performed in public since 1979. I just love harp and wanted to pick it up and play soon as possible. Thanks to you,I played some today. I did go a little easy but really it seems like the gums are healing fast. If it weren't for your story,I may have waited longer than I needed to
I am a dentist. My only concern about playing too soon would be if some of those teeth were lower molars. any sucking motion, like smoking or sucking through a straw or forceful blowing could dislodge a blood clot resulting in a dry socket (very painful).
But, if you breathe through the harp and not blow or suck (physically, not musically), you should be fine within a couple days. How's that for incentive to breathe correctly!
Thanks ME,I did have 1 lower tooth removed also,no. 30 I believe, and that dry socket condition was my worry. I'm breathing easy and only did a little bit. I have a banjo to play with,I can stick with that a couple days.
Back when- about 14 years ago- I did have 2 molars out on Friday and gigged Saturday. Dentist told me to keep the packing in place and go easy. Which I did and made 3 sets of harp playing- no vocals- and it was no probs. Jak, glad to pass on my experience! And good to know you are getting some soul food going again ie harp. ---------- http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
Everybody's favorite harmonica player, Smokey Joe Leone, has full dentures but prefers to remove them when he plays. He'll pop 'em out right in front of ya. If you've heard him play, your concerns would have been be immediately dismissed.
Go for it, teeth or no!
Michelle
---------- SilverWing Leather - Custom leather creations for musicians and other eccentrics.
Last Edited by mlefree on Jan 23, 2016 7:55 AM
----------Watermelon Slim plays pretty dang well sans teeth. And, after 48 hours to heal, if everything is feeling OK, I'd say you're good to blast away. Harpcrab, DDS Bluesharp- If you don't blow you suck...
